Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Arkansas

What is a Dual Diagnosis Disorder?

Dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorders, occurs when someone has both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition simultaneously. These co-occurring conditions often make each other worse, creating a complex and challenging cycle. For example, someone with anxiety might use alcohol or drugs to quiet their racing thoughts. Unfortunately, substance use can actually worsen anxiety symptoms over time, making the very problem they’re trying to escape even more severe.

The complex relationship between addiction and mental illness makes it much more difficult to accurately diagnose and treat each condition when addressed separately. Substance use can mask mental health symptoms, and mental health conditions can hide the severity of addiction, potentially leading to misdiagnosis or inadequate treatment if not properly evaluated. Both conditions can also significantly impact a person’s ability to function, maintain relationships, hold employment, and care for themselves.

Most Common Dual Diagnosis Disorders

There are several ways that dual diagnosis might appear. Among the most common ones are:

• Depression and Alcohol Use Disorder: People may become dependent on alcohol as a self-medication for their depression symptoms.
• Benzodiazepine Abuse and Anxiety Disorders: People with anxiety may abuse benzodiazepines due to their sedative effects.
• Bipolar Disorder and Substance Abuse: People with bipolar disorder may turn to drugs in an attempt to control their mood fluctuations.
• Opioid addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): PTSD survivors may use opioids to cope, which raises their risk of addiction.
• Cannabis Use and Schizophrenia: Some people with schizophrenia may turn to cannabis to reduce their symptoms, which can make treatment more difficult.